83 billion-pound question: UK’s Labour pitches big spending rises
Britain’s opposition Labour Party unveiled its election manifesto on Thursday, including a sweeping programme of nationalization reversing decades of pro-privatisation public policy.
Election turmoil plunges Israel into budget crisis
With the prospect of a third election in Israel in less than a year, it will be well into 2020 before a new budget is passed, triggering months of cutbacks that will weigh on economic growth.
Israeli parliament seeks candidate after Netanyahu, rival fail to form government
Israel’s president told lawmakers on Wednesday to name a candidate to form a new government after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and challenger Benny Grantz both failed to clinch their own coalitions.
Iran begins reconnecting internet after shutdown over protests
Iran on Thursday began restoring internet access in the capital Tehran and a number of provinces, news agencies and residents said, after a five-day-long nationwide shutdown meant to help stifle protests against fuel price hikes.
United States ready to work with new Lebanese government, President Aoun tweets
The United States is ready to work with a new Lebanese government that responds to the needs of its people, President Donald Trump said in a cable to Lebanese President Michael Aoun, according to a tweet from Aoun on Thursday.
Lebanon parliament speaker calls session following cancellation
Lebanese House Speaker Nabih Berri on Thursday scheduled a session of parliament next week to discuss draft legislation on banking secrecy and returning stolen state funds, state news agency NNA reported.
UK’s Corbyn says Labour will consider student debt relief
Opposition Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn said on Thursday he would look at ways to help those who have already incurred large debts from university tuition fees, and would not sell off student loans to private companies.
On Prince Andrew, UK Labour’s Corbyn says nobody is above the law
Britain’s Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn said on Thursday that nobody was above the law and anyone who had done something wrong should be open to investigation, when asked about whether Prince Andrew should make a statement to U.S. authorities.
In Thailand, Pope condemns exploitation of women, children for sex
Pope Francis condemned on Thursday the exploitation of women and children for prostitution in Thailand, which is notorious for its sex tourism, saying the violence, abuse and enslavement they suffer are evils that must be uprooted.
UK Conservatives hold 16-point lead over Labour: Ipsos MORI/Evening Standard poll
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s Conservative Party holds a 16-point lead over the opposition Labour Party three weeks ahead of the Dec. 12 general election, according to an Ipsos MORI poll for the Evening Standard newspaper.
